Every ‘Attack on Titan’ Opening, Ranked Worst to Best

Let’s be honest: Attack on Titan is hands-down one of the best anime series of the past decade. So having no openings that stick with you would be quite absurd. Believe me, not every anime has great openings. Even the popular ones. Some openings are better than others, and that statement holds true for Attack on Titan, too. So what am I doing here? I’m here to rank the openings of this series.

Of course, Attack on Titan is not quite over yet. And these conversation can get as heated as the steam off a titan’s back. So keep it chill in the comments if you’re feeling the heat.

7. Jiyuu No Tsubasa (Opening 2)

Season two doesn’t have the most terrible opening I’ve ever heard in my entire life, it’s just one of the weakest compared to the others. It’s not the visuals that are lacking, per se. It’s the song and how it’s somewhat mediocre when you put it up against other openings. Somehow, “Jiyuu No Tsubasa” comes across as a not-so-cohesive song, and it’s a real shame, all things considered. Therefore, this is at the bottom of the list.

6. Feuerroter Pfeil und Bogen (Opening 1)

The first opening is meant to spark excitement. I can only imagine what it was like for fans of the manga. I personally wouldn’t include it in my top 10 anime openings if I were writing that type of list. Why? The visuals are alright, and the song is fine. But this OP doesn’t exactly hit me, and that’s a bit of a problem. However, I find “Feuerroter Pfeil und Bogen” much better than opening two when I put them side by side in my mind. Thankfully the first season of the show is as good as it is!

5. Shinzou wo Sasageyo! (Opening 3)

There’s no denying how this song has a patriotic feeling to it, almost like it could be a default anthem for the Scouts. And there’s certainly improvements to the animation, as there was a huge gap between the first and second season. The first three openings aren’t my favorite, and that’s likely been made clear by now. But I won’t deny how this opening could make almost any fan get hyped up. Who doesn’t love seeing Eren and co. gearing up? And seeing the Titans moving forward together is still a cool visual.

4. Shoukei to Shikabane no Michi (Opening 5)

There’s so much improvement in the visuals here, and it’s chef’s kiss! It’s likely unpopular to include this opening much higher on this list. But when has that ever stopped me, in terms of ranking anything? Season 3 uncovers so much for the characters, and there’s so much that unfolds in the story. “Shoukei to Shikabane no Michi” even has heavy lyrics (something that I really appreciate), which only contributes to why this opening deserves a bit more attention. Even if you dislike the song for some reason, the visuals are too fucking solid to discredit this OP.

3. Red Swan (Opening 4)

Please tell me how anyone could dislike this opening or find it boring in any way. “Red Swan” has so much emotion seeping from it, from the visuals to the song itself. It captures a feeling of nostalgia and shows how Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Levi have lost their innocence. The pain, loss, and violence has changed all of the characters we love and care for. None of that changes throughout season 3, either. In fact, that front just gets worse.

2. The Rumbling (Opening 7)

There’s no convincing me that this opening doesn’t slap in the most metal way possible. The visuals capture the chaos that is the final season of this very stressful anime (it stresses me out, alright?). Everything is crumbling, characters are in dire situations, and a happy ending doesn’t feel possible. But at least part 2 kicked off with a badass opening. It stuck in my head upon first hearing it. Though let’s be clear, The Rumbling as an event is horrific. And I’m stressing out again about what’s coming next!

1. My War (Opening 6)

This opening is fucking beautiful and breathtaking. Sure, that’s a redundant word to use, and I know someone is going to wag their finger at me (go ahead and do it). It doesn’t change the fact that it’s true. The feeling of season 4 is perfectly captured from the start to finish of “My War.” The feeling is so apocalyptic, dark, and ominous.The visuals are equally unsettling.

Considering the events of this final season, everything sucks and it’s tough to think about. What doesn’t suck is this opening. That’s why it’s at the very top of the list.

(Featured image: MAPA)

Have a tip we should know? tips@themarysue.com

Author

Close

Vanessa Maki

Vanessa Maki (she/her) is a queer Blerd and contributing writer for The Mary Sue. She first started writing for digital magazines in 2018 and her articles have appeared in Pink Advocate (defunct), The Gay Gaze (defunct), Dread Central and more. She primarily writes about movies, TV, and anime. Efforts to make her stop loving complex/villainous characters or horror as a genre will be futile.